Warren barton has admitted that he went from hero to villain in the space of three days.

Warren barton has admitted that he went from hero to villain in the space of three days.

But the Newcastle United defender is more than ready to go out and face Sunderland.

Barton picked up the official man-of-the-match award in Sunday's Premiership opener at Chelsea, helping Bobby Robson's men to a deserved 1-1 draw with a superb performance.

But just 48 hours later he gifted Troyes their vital third goal in the Intertoto Cup final and when he was substituted there was booing from some United fans as Barton took his seat in the dug-out.

Barton had a similar experience in Kenny Dalglish's days as manager at St James's Park but the former Wimbledon defender won the fans over with his attitude and never-say-die spirit.

Both England internationals Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer have expressed their surprise and disappointment at the booing while accepting that the fans have the right to give vent to their opinions and it was only a small section of the crowd.

Barton told me today: "The fans are entitled to their opinions and I can understand their frustrations on Tuesday night.

"But I would not be telling the truth if I did not say I was disappointed and upset at what happened against Troyes.

"I have been here six years and the fans know what they are going to get from me. Obviously nobody likes making mistakes and that includes me.

"But Sunderland is a great game for both myself and Newcastle United to bounce back in. And if I am selected by the manager it is a game I am looking forward to playing in."

l Troyes' reward for beating United in the Intertoto Cup final is an UEFA Cup first round tie with MSK Ruzomberok of Slovakia.